2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana FA blames miscommunication for Somalia training row

Ghana Football Association (GFA) General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo has attributed the controversy surrounding Somalia's training arrangements at the University of Ghana Stadium to a miscommunication.

Addo insisted that the visiting team was never denied access to the facility, clarifying that the Somali delegation had been allocated the warm-up pitch rather than the main playing surface.

Speaking on Asempa FM, he explained that confusion over the designated training area had led to the misunderstanding.

"It was a case of miscommunication. They were supposed to train on the warm-up pitch, not the main pitch. The Somalis were not denied access to train at UG Stadium, and none of their officials has contacted us to report any problems with their training," Addo said.

The issue emerged ahead of Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia, raising questions about the coordination between the GFA, stadium authorities and the visiting delegation.

Somalia had been scheduled to train at the University of Ghana Stadium before travelling to Takoradi for their two qualifying matches against the Black Stars.

However, Addo's comments suggest that the disagreement was over the allocation of the training pitch rather than a refusal by the authorities to provide the visitors with a facility to prepare for the matches.

The GFA General Secretary also maintained that the association had not received any formal complaint from the Somali delegation regarding the arrangements.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday before travelling for the return fixture on Monday, 16 November, as both teams continue their campaigns in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.